Egypt is one of the oldest countries where civilization is understood to have emerged. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., a country composed mostly of sand and dust but will keep you in awe when it comes to its landscape. As a well-liked tourist destination, Egypt receives millions of travelers every year. Egypt’s culture has so much to offer, from architecture, history, and adventure, it is sure to captivate you. Keep on reading for some suggestions on what to see, do and taste while you are in Egypt.
Must-visit places:
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt and plays a major role when it comes to its economy. It overlooks the Mediterranean at the eastern edge of the Nile Delta and served as the capital for four different civilizations.
Top things to do in Alexandria:
- Pay a visit to Alexandria National Museum to see Roman statuary and collections of antique coins and jewelry.
- See the floor mosaic of Kom el-Dikka.
- Wander to Alexandria’s ancient great library, Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
- Explore the series of stone-walled chambers in Fort Qaitbey.
- Stroll within the sprawling gardens of Montazah Palace Gardens
Aswan
Situated along the banks of the Nile, Aswan is a serene Nile Valley destination that provides a tranquil spot to visit.
Top things to do in Aswan:
- Cruise your way to Elephantine Island. You can visit Aswan Museum or wander the backstreets of the villages of Koti and Siou.
- Take a trip to the historic Nubian Museum and be amazed by the prehistoric artifacts.
- Go on an excursion to the St. Simeon Monastery.
- Sail to the place built to honor the goddess Isis, Temple of Philae(Temple of Isis).
- Explore the Tombs of the Nobles.
- Visit Old Cataract Hotel and relive Agatha Christi’s Death on the Nile.
Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya is an oasis town in Egypt’s Western Desert. It is a famous starting point for many desert safari adventures in the vast western Egyptian desert.
Top things to do in Bahariya Oasis:
- Explore the amazing water museum, Al Hayz Water Education Center,
- Want to chill by cool, crystal-clear water gushing into a small pool surrounded by the vast desert? Ain Gomma is the answer.
- Black Desert is a popular stop-off for tours running out of Bahariya Oasis and is usually combined with a White Desert tour.
- Pay a visit to the Temple of Ain Al Muftella
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic, crazy, feverish capital of Egypt. From the old and proud pyramids and museums down to shopping and foods, it’s worth exploring.
Top things to do in Cairo:
- Join and enjoy Egyptian music traditions with Makan, the Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts.
- Wander and get lost in the beauty of downtown Cairo by using Cluster’s printable map.
- Feel the thrilling vibes by visiting the Cairo Necropolis or City of the Dead, an ancient cemetery that has become a residential neighborhood.
- Experience their markets and bazaars by visiting the skinny lanes of the king of souks(market place), Khan el Khalili.
- Set off on a hike to its southern outskirts, Wadi Digla, with its limestone terrain.
- See the beauty of pyramids in the Giza Complex.
Dakhla Oasis
Dakhla Oasis is one of the most attractive oases in Egypt. People visit Dakhla Oasis for a relaxing spa-like experience. and spa treatments.
Top things to do in Dakhla Oasis:
- If you want to see a spectacular colors and zodiac ceilings tomb, go to Qarat Al Muzawwaqa.
- Go to Bir Qalamoun, a beautiful lake that you can have for yourself for a moment.
- Be amazed by different rock formations at Rock Carvings.
- Feel the Roman vibe by visiting Deir Al Haggar, a restored sandstone temple.
Luxor
Luxor is an Ancient Egyptian capital (Thebes) where you can see a multitude of temples and tombs. It is often called the world’s “largest open-air museum.” You can feel the presence of a strong Islamic culture. Luxor’s is filled with contemporary buildings and amenities but as you move out of the city center, you’ll quickly notice Luxor’s ancient ruins.
Top things to do in Luxor:
- Visit the tomb of the Egyptian royalty at the Valley of the Kings.
- Stroll around the Karnak Temple and be amazed by pylons, obelisks, and ancient hieroglyphics.
- Make your Luxor experience much more memorable by riding a hot air balloon.
- Take a picture with the Colossi of Memnon as your backdrop.
- Drop by at the Luxor Museum to have a glimpse at Old and New Kingdom artifacts.
Nuweiba
Nuweiba is just Eighty-five kilometers north of Dahab and above the Abu Galum area, the great area for diving and snorkeling. The town itself is full of restaurants, cafes, shops and spice bazaars.
Top things to do in Nuweiba:
- Take a dip in Dune, Red Sea.
- Enjoy the massive submerged mooring buoy developed into an artificial reef known as Sinker
- Go diving in Ras Mumlach
- Visit Tarabin Beach, a mix of golden sand and small pebbles.
Sharm El Sheikh
If you love the sun and sea, this is the place for you. Sharm el-Sheikh has developed into one of the most popular holiday destinations in Egypt. Its crystal-clear water and unique sea life have also made Sharm one of the finest diving spots in the world. Sharm el-Sheikh is a great choice for a beach break after exploring the temples and tombs in the rest of the country.
Top things to do in Sharm El Sheikh:
- Explore the Ras Mohammed National Park.
- Dive your way to one of the top wreck dives in the world, Thistlegorm Dive Site.
- Sunbathe at the epicenter of Sharm el-Sheikh’s resort life, Naama Bay
- Dine and indulge in the hub of Soho Square Center.
- Explore one of the Sinai’s top out-of-the-water natural attractions, Colored Canyon.
What to Eat
Besides the ancient history, stunning beaches, and scuba diving, traditional Egyptian food is another reason you should visit this country. Read on to know more about some delicacies that every visitor should try at least once when coming to Egypt.
Ful
Ful is a filling blend of mashed fava beans seasoned with oil and salt. It is commonly eaten together with eggs, cheese, pita bread. It is simple but satisfying.
Feteer
A flaky pastry with delicate layers that can be stuffed with savory meats or cheeses, or coconut or chocolate, feteer is an Egyptian specialty. The most popular sweet feteer is with milk and honey, sprinkled with white sugar powder.
Konafa
This is a popular dessert around the Arab world, especially during Ramadan. Konafa will win your heart in the world of sweet traditional Egyptian food.
Koshari
Koshary or Koshari is one of the most traditional Egyptian foods. Koshari is a combination of rice, lentils, and macaroni tossed together and topped with tomato sauce, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions.
Om Ali
A must-try baked puff pastry soaked in milk and mixed with nuts, raisins, coconut flakes, and sugar. Locals call it Egyptian bread pudding.
Fattah
Just like Ful, this dish goes back to ancient Egypt. It is a combination of crispy bread, rice, meat, and vinegar/tomato sauce which makes this dish very filling and delicious as well as nutritious.
Roz Bel
Roz Bel Laban, known as Rice Pudding is Egyptian cuisine, can be found in many other countries. It consists of rice and milk and sometimes cream and sugar topped with pistachio pieces. This is a simple and satisfying dessert that everyone loves.
Hawawshi
If you love meat then you’ll enjoy eating hawawshi which is a famous traditional Egyptian dish. Have some water on hand to cool your mouth if you’re not used to spicy foods.
Egyptian Shawarma
Egyptian Shawarma is one of the most popular Middle Eastern meals. This Egyptian-style juicy shawarma is served with a delicious Tahini sauce and is one of the dishes you must try.
Ta’meya
Known internationally as Falafel, this is what Egyptians commonly eat for breakfast. It is made from fava beans or chickpeas and usually served with salad.
Enjoying the local cuisine of the countries is one of our favorite parts of traveling. It offers an insight into the culture that is just as important as visiting a museum.
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